Lent begins on Ash Wednesday with the powerful and penitential liturgy for that holy day, and Mass with the Imposition of Ashes, at 8 am & Noon, and Sung Mass with Choir at 7 pm.
During Lent we add the Office of Evening Prayer to our worship schedule, which is said at 5 pm Monday through Friday in the Choir.
The First Sunday in Lent is celebrated with the Great Litany, a gorgeous prelude to the Mass, which underlines the introspective nature of the season and its preparation for Easter.
Lent finds its climax in Holy Week:
- Palm Sunday is celebrated with the Blessing of the Palms, the Passion Gospel, and Mass at 8 am and 10 am.
- Monday & Tuesday in Holy Week we gather in the choir at 7 pm for a simple Said Mass.
- Monday & Tuesday in Holy Week we gather in the choir at 7 pm for a simple Said Mass.
- On Wednesday in Holy Week we offer the liturgy of Tenebrae, an ancient modification of the monastic services of Matins and Lauds. Tenebrae’s uniqueness is in the gradual extinguishing of candles and light, interspersed with readings and vocal music drawn from Lamentations. The gradual darkening of the church is symbolic of the imminent death of Jesus, and provides a stark contrast to the Easter Vigil’s movement from darkness to light.
Thursday, Friday & Saturday in Holy Week are know as the Sacrum Triduum, where we commemorate the institution of the Eucharist and the suffering, death & resurrection of Christ:
- On Thursday in Holy Week, we celebrate the Liturgy for Maundy Thursday with Sung Mass & Stripping of the Altar. Afterward, all are invited to do vigil at the Altar of Repose; we remain open for that purpose until midnight.
- On Good Friday at Noon is the Liturgy for Good Friday, Veneration of the Cross & Communion from the Reserve Sacrament. It is followed by Stations of the Cross at 2 pm. From 3 pm to 5 pm the clergy are available to hear confessions. The evening of Good Friday features an organ recital at 7 pm.
- On Holy Saturday we gather for prayer in the chapel at 8 am, and for the Great Vigil of Easter & Sung Mass at 8 pm. A Champagne & sparkling cider reception follows in the parish hall.
Easter Sunday is matched only by Christmas Eve in its beauty and splendor. The Easter Sunday liturgy, joyfully proclaiming the Resurrection of Christ, is at 10 am, with a Festal Procession & Sung Mass with Choir. We have a special Easter program for children through 3rd grade, and an Easter Egg hunt & Reception after the Mass for all ages.
